2026 LUX MIDDLE SCHOOL SACRED POETRY CONTEST

Unleash Your Creativity

Enter the Contest and Get Recognized

Catholic Literary Arts Announces the 2026 Winners of
the LUX Middle School Sacred Poetry Contest

Catholic Literary Arts is pleased to announce the outstanding students whose work has earned them the distinction of being winners in the 2026 LUX Middle School Sacred Poetry Contest for independent Catholic schools and homeschool communities in the Houston area.

Chosen from a wide field of entries, these poems display a high level of craftsmanship and a unique vision.

These poets, while young in their careers, have used their skill with words to express their love of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

All the winners are to be congratulated and celebrated, as well as the finalists who have reached high levels of artistry to reveal sacred truths.

Please register here to attend the Awards Ceremony on April 8, 2026, at The University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas in Jones Auditorium, beginning at nine a.m. Registration will help us plan a reception after the reading.

Sixth Grade Winners

First Place: Elise Warner, Homeschool
Second Place: Annabelle Hall, Magnolia School; Cora Pearson, Magnolia School
Third Place: Claire Kruppa, Magnolia School; Ignatius Martens, Holy House Academy

Seventh Grade Winners

First Place: Charlie Hernandez, Western Academy
Second Place: Natalie Frazee, Holy House Academy; Isla Murphy, Magnolia School; Adeline Thompson, Magnolia School
Third Place: Carolina Garcia, Magnolia School
Honorable Mention: Mary Busher, Magnolia School; Caroline Hough, Magnolia School

Eighth Grade Winners

First Place: Isabel Chavez-Lujambio, Magnolia School
Second Place: Alonso Carrillo-Jimenez, Holy House Academy; Ruby Mohr, Homeschool
Third Place: Jose Boada, Western Academy; Elynn Eastham, Magnolia School

Are you a young writer eager to express your creativity but unsure where to start? The 2026 LUX Middle School Sacred Poetry Contest is your opportunity to share your voice, gain recognition, and improve your writing skills.

The goal of the LUX Sacred Poetry Contest grades is to inspire 6th-8th students in the home-school and independent Catholic school communities to write about spiritual topics, to increase writing skills, and to increase writing confidence.

View Contest Flyer

Benefits of Joining the Contest

At Catholic Literary Arts, we provide the tools, mentorship, and community to help writers develop their craft, rooted in the Catholic tradition. Through workshops, retreats, and expert guidance, we help writers of all levels express their faith through literature.

Skill Development

Through this contest, students will enhance their writing skills, preparing them for future opportunities.

Enhance Curriculum

Teachers and homeschool
parents can combine faith with
creative writing, inspiring children
to express their beliefs while
fostering meaningful discussions
and a deeper connection within
their school environment.

Fostering Spiritual and Creative Growth in Children

Parents will see their child grow spiritually and creatively through the contest, while feeling proud of their child’s efforts and reflections.

How the Contest Works

1. Read the Contest Guidelines

Here you can find detailed guidelines, deadlines, and frequently asked questions.

Read Contest Guidelines

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2. Submit Your Entry

Here are instructions for submission, including registration, payment.

Submit Your Entry

3. Await Results and Celebrate

Finalists will be announced by March 17, 2026, and winners will be announced by March 24, 2026. The awards ceremony for the winners will be on April 8, 2026.

View 2026 Finalists

Resources for Educators

Educators may use these resources to assist them with this year’s sacred poetry contest.

Religion Lesson Plan

Creative Writing Lesson Plan

Anti-Plagiarism Lesson Plan

Testimonials

“It was awesome. I never submitted my writing before to anyone else. My mother would check my writing. So, with the positive feedback from Catholic Literary Arts, I was able to later join the Teen Writing Mentorship program.”

Mariam Henderson
2022 Poet Laureate
Homeschool Student